The Eurasian Economic Commission is considering adopting a tobacco tax harmonization proposal through the (EEC). If adopted the tobacco tax proposal would leave prices of tobacco products in the region among the lowest in the world, keeping cigarettes cheap and plentiful for young smokers.

The proposal would also undermine all EEC countries’ strong support of FCTC Article 6 at this year’s COP, as well as Russia’s commitment to bring taxes on tobacco products in line with standards set in the Euro region, says a letter from FCA and partner organisations released 10 November 2014.

On Monday 13 October, FCA held a technical lunch-time seminar at COP6 on the topic of implementation of Article 6 (price and tax measures). The seminar, which was co-hosted by the Department of Finance of the Philippines and the Federal Revenue Secretariat of Brazil, aimed at promoting the adoption of Article 6 guidelines by showcasing several success stories of long-term tax policies.

Medical institutions in the Dominican Republic have signed a manifesto that calls for an increase in tobacco taxes in the country.

The groups note that raising the price of tobacco products is recognised as one of the most effective ways to cut consumption of current tobacco users. It also discourages potential smokers, especially children and youth, from starting.

“The next steps will be to work with legislators and to keep trying to raise awareness among decision makers, both public and private,” said Dr Sergio Diaz of the Primary Care Centre Juan XXIII in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Chile’s Congress is considering a significant increase in tobacco taxes after a workshop organized by FCA and partners to mark World No Tobacco Day 2014.

Raising tobacco prices is recognised as one of the most effective tobacco control measures.

Chile has put in place measures to reduce tobacco use in recent years, including adopting a new tobacco control law in 2013, but prices are still comparatively low, and adult and youth tobacco consumption remains the highest in Latin America.

Thanks to civil society protests, the Ukraine Government will increase tobacco taxes by 25 percent on 1 July 2014.

After the government announced a planned increase of just eight percent, activists protested. They campaigned in the media, picketed the office of the Cabinet of Ministers and contacted the Ministry of Finance, until the government relented.